Skew propagation time

The zero forcing number has long been used as a tool for determining the maximum nullity of a graph, and has since been extended to skew zero forcing number, which is the zero forcing number used when the matrices corresponding to the graphs in question are required to have zeros as their diagonal entries. Skew zero forcing is based on the following specific color change rule: for a graph $G$ (that does not contain any loops), where some vertices are colored blue and the rest of the vertices are colored white, if a vertex has only one white neighbor, that vertex forces its white neighbor to be blue. The minimum number of blue vertices that it takes to force the graph using this color change rule is called the skew zero forcing number. A set of blue vertices of order equal to the skew zero forcing number of the graph, such that when the skew zero forcing process is carried out to completion the entire graph is colored blue, is called a minimum skew zero forcing set. More recently, the concept of propagation time of a graph was introduced. Propagation time of a graph is how fast it is possible to force the entire graph blue over all possible minimum zero forcing sets. In this thesis, the concept of propagation time is extended to skew propagation time. We discuss the tools used to study extreme skew propagation time, and examine the skew propagation time of several common families of graphs. Finally, we include a brief discussion on loop graph propagation time, where the graphs in question are allowed to contain loops (in other words, these graphs are loop graphs, not simple graphs, as in the skew zero forcing case)

High risk HPV types 18 and 16 are potent modulators of oral squamous cell carcinoma phenotypes in vitro

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been confirmed as the primary etiological factor that transforms cervical epithelia into cancer. The presence of HPV in oral cancers suggests that HPV may play a similar role in transforming the oral epithelia. A high degree of variability in the prevalence of HPV in oral cancers has been found, however, raising questions regarding its role in the transformation and development of oral cancers. The goal of this study was to test our hypothesis that high-risk HPV strains HPV16 and HPV18 will alter the phenotype of transformed oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines, CAL27, SCC-15 and SCC-25 <it>in vitro</it>.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>CAL27 cells transfected with HPV18, HPV16, as well as HPV16/18 co-transfectants, demonstrated significant increases in proliferation, adhesion and cell spreading compared with non-transfected controls. These observed differences were correlated with a small level of increased cell survival. SCC-15 cells, however, displayed a differential response to HPV transfection, with only HPV18-transfectants demonstrated changes to proliferation. Interestingly, SCC-25 cells displayed a more complex response, with HPV16-induced increases in cell proliferation, viability and cell spreading, while HPV18- and 16/18-transfectants exhibited reduced adhesion and proliferation.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Determining the potential of specific high-risk HPV strains to alter phenotypic behaviors of already transformed oral carcinomas is a critical step in providing more accurate prognosis and treatment options for oral cancer patients. The identification of differential responses to specific HPV strains among oral cancers suggests a more significant, complex and multifactorial role of HPV, not only in transforming, but also in modulating, the phenotype and treatment responsiveness of precancerous and cancerous oral lesions. This study provides some of the first evidence to help identify the important molecular markers for pathways that could be used to determine the most effective and appropriate treatment plans for oral cancer patients with concomitant oral HPV infections.</p

Multifocal Assessment Reveals Anemia-related Program Gaps and Implementation Challenges in Ghana (P10-088-19)

Objectives: Despite existing program efforts in Ghana, incidence of childhood anemia remain high. This study describes existing childhood anemia prevention and treatment strategies and assessed implementation gaps. Methods: A cross-sectional study using purposive sampling/snowballing technique identified organizations implementing childhood anemia prevention and treatment programs. Interview guides constructed around UNICEF\u27s conceptual framework of malnutrition identified programs addressing each cause of anemia. Interviews were administered via in-person and phone in August 2018. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded/analyzed using Dedoose software version 8.1.8. Results: Twenty-five officials from Universities (n = 2), local non-governmental (n = 4), government departments (n = 6) and international (n = 2) agencies completed interviews. Reported contextual immediate causes of anemia were malaria, diarrhea, worm infestation and inadequate dietary intake. All organizations implemented programs addressing ≥1 of the immediate causes, with many overlapping programs from different organizations addressing inadequate dietary intake in the same district. Government-assisted programs and Universities reported national scope; non-governmental/private organizations had regional/district focus. The contextual underlying causes reported were inadequate nutrition knowledge, food safety and environmental hygiene, food insecurity and health services. All organizations were implementing programs addressing ≥1 of these underlying causes. Few programs addressed the reported basic causes namely, inadequate human resources (n = 5) and housing/water/toilet facilities (n = 3) and poverty/financial resources (n = 2). Reported program gaps included inadequate human resources and scarce funding for projects. The main observed gap was insufficient communication and integration between programs implementer. Conclusions: Multiple programs, sometimes with overlapping focus in the same region were addressing anemia. Re-designing programs to prioritize communication between current program may result in efficient use of limited funding and human resources. New programs may focus on improving financial investment in programs and more personnel

Sex Moderates the Fitness Tests - Performance Index Relationship in Collegiate Basketball: A Case Study

Performance indicators are used widely in sports, including basketball. Those total performance metrics are mathematical models that are used to determine the “best” athlete per game/week/season. Players with higher metrics get recruited more and/or get offered better contracts. During offseason, strength and conditioning coaches (SCCs) perform tests to determine the fitness levels of their players. Although those scores differ by sex, the fitness levels are associated with in-season sport performance and, therefore, performance indices. More insight in the fitness tests - performance index relationship in the collegiate basketball and the differential effects by sex would be valuable for all stakeholders (e.g., SCCs, sport coaches, sport agents). In the US, the Player Efficiency Rating (PER) and Efficiency (EFF) are the most commonly used basketball performance indices. PURPOSE: To investigate a) correlation between the uPER and EFF by sex and b) which fitness test most strongly correlates each index by sex. METHODS: Ten male and eight female basketball players (n = 18) from the same college participated. Several fitness tests (full court sprint, bench press, power clean, vertical jump, standing broad jump, and T drill) were performed in the off-season. Performance data, which were collected throughout the following season, were used to calculated unadjusted PER (uPER; equation not shown for space) and EFF (PTS + REB + AST + STL + BLK − Missed FG − Missed FT - TO) / GP). To examine the characteristics of fitness test distributions by sex, the means and standard deviations were generated for each sex. Pearson correlations were estimated as indicators for the relationship between the performance indices and also the relationships between each of the fitness tests and the performance indices by sex. RESULTS: Our results showed lower means and less variability of the fitness tests scores in women than men. The correlation between uPER and EFF in men was moderate (r = .359) and strong in women (r = .662). No strong correlation was found in men between any fitness test and EFF, while full court sprint was strongly correlated with uPER (r = .738). In women, strong correlations were detected between a) T drill and EFF (r = .574) and b) foul court sprint (r = .610), vertical jump (r = .662), and T drill (r = .659) and uPER. No statistical inferences were made due to the nature of the study. CONCLUSION: Our outcomes suggest that uPER and EFF reflect different amounts of information based on sex. Practical implications include that a) foul court drill scores may predict uPER more accurately in both men and women and b) T drill scores may predict both EFF and uPER more precisely in women. Future, larger-scale studies should replicate in other settings with larger samples. Limitations may include small sample size

Analysis of primary risk factors for oral cancer from select US states with increasing rates

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Objectives</p> <p>To examine the primary risk factor for oral cancer in the US, smoking and tobacco use, among the specific US states that experienced short-term increases in oral cancer incidence and mortality.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Population-based data on oral cancer morbidity and mortality in the US were obtained from the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database for analysis of recent trends. Data were also obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to measure current and former trends of tobacco usage. To comprehensive measures of previous state tobacco use and tobacco-related policies, the Initial Outcomes Index (IOI, 1992-1993) and the Strength of Tobacco Control index (SoTC, 1999-2000) were also used for evaluation and comparison.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Analysis of the NCI-SEER data confirmed a previous report of geographic increases in oral cancer and demonstrated these were state-specific, were not regional, and were unrelated to previously observed increases among females and minorities. Analysis of the CDC-BRFSS data revealed these states had relatively higher percentages of smokers currently, as well as historically. In addition, analysis of the IOI and SoTC indexes suggest that many factors, including cigarette pricing, taxes and home or workplace bans, may have had significant influence on smoking prevalence in these areas. Trend analysis of these data uncovered a recent and significant reversal in smoking rates that suggest oral cancer incidence and mortality may also begin to decline in the near future.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Due to the rising costs of health care in the US and the limited resources available for health prevention efforts, it is essential to organize and direct more effective efforts by public health officials and epidemiologists, as well as funding from local, state and federal governments, to reduce and eliminate identified health disparities. This study provides evidence how these efforts may be directed to specific geographic areas, and towards the white males, previously thought to be unaffected by the increases in oral cancer among females and minorities.</p

Analysis of Primary Risk Factors for Oral Cancer from US States with Increasing Rates

Objectives To examine the primary risk factor for oral cancer in the US, smoking and tobacco use, among the specific US states that experienced short-term increases in oral cancer incidence and mortality. Methods Population-based data on oral cancer morbidity and mortality in the US were obtained from the National Cancer Institute\u27s (NCI) Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database for analysis of recent trends. Data were also obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to measure current and former trends of tobacco usage. To comprehensive measures of previous state tobacco use and tobacco-related policies, the Initial Outcomes Index (IOI, 1992-1993) and the Strength of Tobacco Control index (SoTC, 1999-2000) were also used for evaluation and comparison. Results Analysis of the NCI-SEER data confirmed a previous report of geographic increases in oral cancer and demonstrated these were state-specific, were not regional, and were unrelated to previously observed increases among females and minorities. Analysis of the CDC-BRFSS data revealed these states had relatively higher percentages of smokers currently, as well as historically. In addition, analysis of the IOI and SoTC indexes suggest that many factors, including cigarette pricing, taxes and home or workplace bans, may have had significant influence on smoking prevalence in these areas. Trend analysis of these data uncovered a recent and significant reversal in smoking rates that suggest oral cancer incidence and mortality may also begin to decline in the near future. Conclusion Due to the rising costs of health care in the US and the limited resources available for health prevention efforts, it is essential to organize and direct more effective efforts by public health officials and epidemiologists, as well as funding from local, state and federal governments, to reduce and eliminate identified health disparities. This study provides evidence how these efforts may be directed to specific geographic areas, and towards the white males, previously thought to be unaffected by the increases in oral cancer among females and minorities

Evolution of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium driven by anthropogenic selection and niche adaptation

Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) is a leading cause of gastroenteritis and bacteraemia worldwide, and a model organism for the study of host-pathogen interactions. Two S. Typhimurium strains (SL1344 and ATCC14028) are widely used to study host-pathogen interactions, yet genotypic variation results in strains with diverse host range, pathogenicity and risk to food safety. The population structure of diverse strains of S. Typhimurium revealed a major phylogroup of predominantly sequence type 19 (ST19) and a minor phylogroup of ST36. The major phylogroup had a population structure with two high order clades (α and β) and multiple subclades on extended internal branches, that exhibited distinct signatures of host adaptation and anthropogenic selection. Clade α contained a number of subclades composed of strains from well characterized epidemics in domesticated animals, while clade β contained multiple subclades associated with wild avian species. The contrasting epidemiology of strains in clade α and β was reflected by the distinct distribution of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, accumulation of hypothetically disrupted coding sequences (HDCS), and signatures of functional diversification. These observations were consistent with elevated anthropogenic selection of clade α lineages from adaptation to circulation in populations of domesticated livestock, and the predisposition of clade β lineages to undergo adaptation to an invasive lifestyle by a process of convergent evolution with of host adapted Salmonella serotypes. Gene flux was predominantly driven by acquisition and recombination of prophage and associated cargo genes, with only occasional loss of these elements. The acquisition of large chromosomally-encoded genetic islands was limited, but notably, a feature of two recent pandemic clones (DT104 and monophasic S. Typhimurium ST34) of clade α (SGI-1 and SGI-4)

Developing a faculty wide WIL program for science

Problem Uptake of Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) is far less in the natural and physical sciences than other STEM disciplines at the University of Tasmania, many of which have a requirement for WIL for professional accreditation, including ICT, Engineering, surveying and agriculture. This disparity is consistent with national trends. Despite these pockets of activity in specific disciplines, we currently lack a generic WIL program suited to broad implementation across the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology and a mechanism for students and academic staff to identify and engage with industry partners. Plan This is one of six ‘Lighthouse Projects’ co-funded by the Australian Council of Deans of Science, in the sub-theme of ‘Setting up Faculty WIL programs’ with the project undertaking a review of WIL programs, including student preparation and program delivery and support, to inform the development of a generic science unit for on- and off-campus WIL in our Faculty. WIL is generally understood to be the approaches and strategies that integrate theory with its practice in the workplace. WIL allows students to develop depth of understanding through the application of the knowledge and skills of their chosen discipline, while enabling students to improve their future employability outcomes. The University of Tasmania aims to provide graduates with the skills required for participation in the national and international work environments, and this project aims to extend the curriculum by providing real world experiences for our students. Our project aims to include provision for student placement in industry, but also for on-campus simulation of the workplace, combining an authentic experience with critical reflective practice. Action Phase 1 of the project involved a review of established placement and project-based WIL units and/or programs in Science or related disciplines. Three of these units are offered by our Faculty in the disciplines of Agriculture and Food Systems, Engineering, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT), with one other from the Tasmanian School of Business and Economics. Another three WIL programs were from the Science faculties at Deakin University, Monash University and The University of Melbourne. Collated information was used to inform the development of learning outcomes, support, delivery and assessment of a generic WIL elective unit for the natural and physical sciences at the University of Tasmania. Our reflections on the project A common assessment strategy in WIL is for students to critically self-reflect on the application of knowledge and skills in their professional work. Our review of existing programs indicated that students are taught and practice critical self-reflection to understand their strengths and development needs in the context of their readiness for work. Academics and students in the Faculty will be consulted in the next phase of the project to benchmark the use of critical self-reflection and authentic assessment. A Faculty Industry Reference Group will be formed for consultation and networking purposes. Collated information will inform the development of activities to ensure that students from diverse science disciplines can achieve the intended learning outcomes in the generic WIL unit. Focus group discussions with academic staff will be a precursor to developing a framework for a program in WIL in the Faculty that is aligned with the strategic aims of the university

Changes in soil microbial communities in post mine ecological restoration: Implications for monitoring using high throughput DNA sequencing

The ecological restoration of ecosystem services and biodiversity is a key intervention used to reverse the impacts of anthropogenic activities such as mining. Assessment of the performance of restoration against completion criteria relies on biodiversity monitoring. However, monitoring usually overlooks soil microbial communities (SMC), despite increased awareness of their pivotal role in many ecological functions. Recent advances in cost, scalability and technology has led to DNA sequencing being considered as a cost-effective biological monitoring tool, particularly for otherwise difficult to survey groups such as microbes. However, such approaches for monitoring complex restoration sites such as post-mined landscapes have not yet been tested. Here we examine bacterial and fungal communities across chronosequences of mine site restoration at three locations in Western Australia to determine if there are consistent changes in SMC diversity, community composition and functional capacity. Although we detected directional changes in community composition indicative of microbial recovery, these were inconsistent between locations and microbial taxa (bacteria or fungi). Assessing functional diversity provided greater understanding of changes in site conditions and microbial recovery than could be determined through assessment of community composition alone. These results demonstrate that high-throughput amplicon sequencing of environmental DNA (eDNA) is an effective approach for monitoring the complex changes in SMC following restoration. Future monitoring of mine site restoration using eDNA should consider archiving samples to provide improved understanding of changes in communities over time. Expansion to include other biological groups (e.g. soil fauna) and substrates would also provide a more holistic understanding of biodiversity recovery